The Hardys stay in Carvel for a change and the result is one of the best films in the series – relaxed, charming and fun. It’s spring time and Polly is flirting with a naval officer so Andy is down in the dumps… until he sees his new drama teacher. Hardy films were often used by MGM as a way of introducing its emerging stars (Lana Turner, Kathryn Grayson, Esther Williams) – the role of drama teacher is played by Helen Gilbert who didn’t go on to do much, and while pretty is quite affected. But all she’s required to be is an object of Andy’s affection and Mickey Rooney is very strong in this. It’s one of his best performances in the series.
There’s a sweet plot where Marian realises that she’s doing nothing with her life (she’s not given a boyfriend on this one), so dad arranges for her to work with her business partners. He says he’ll pay her salary, but not to tell – way to go dad. (No one seems to consider sending her to college.)
Many lovely moments: Andy acting multiple roles in front of the mirror, Judge Hardy unexpectedly reciting Shakespeare, Andy calling his teacher by her first name and surprising them both, Andy showing off his voice, Andy and the teacher alone in the dark, a little kid (Terry Kilburn) seems to have a crush on Andy.
Ma Hardy is of course useless for anything except cooking and worrying and saying we’ll be ok” when the Judge makes yet another bad financial decision. Judge Hardy is a bit of a fascist (the minute he suspects something is up between Andy and the teacher he pops around there, trying to stop it – he also says there’s nothing wrong with a difference between the ages if it’s in the man’s favour). But it’s generally handled well.
The script was written by Kay van Riper, the most regular writer of the series til that point (although this was her last one – it’s a good one for her to go out on). The director was a newcomer, though – WS Van Dyke (George Seitz normally directed them).
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